Attack on Shi Tong (Jiaodong)

[Phailak]

The north will witness one of the most massive campaigns in history as the rulers of Sai and Qi combine to hit the whole northern land.

Army: Demon Army of the mighty Qi!
Origin: Qi
Target: Shi Tong/Spork/Lu Ying/W/e they're called.
Notes: Co-invasion with BD, I'll be driving Friday night, so might not be able to respond until Saturday afternoon if something comes up. I'm on vacation so activity will be scarce I hope.

Melee Layer:
Melee Commander: Zu Shi 110-81-37-90-20 Aid II, Dash III, Discipline I, Instructor II, Trainer II, Wall II, Horse (+5 Speed) Supreme Commander (+4000)
Subcommander: Zheng Rong 76-105-23-89-51 Challenge II, Intimidate II, Maraud I, Qiangshu II, Raid II, Smith I Duke (+5000) Helmet (+7 Might), Spear (+7 Might), Horse +1 (Speed)
Subcommander: Shao Xie 98-64-29-78-16 Aid II, Instructor II, Military_Admin II, Sortie II, Wall II Supreme Commander (+4000)
Subcommander: Dajai Huai 98-72-52-58-59 Decoy I, Delay I, Discipline I, Escort I, Propagandist I, Rally I Supreme Commander (+4000)
Subcommander: Hu Shi 75-88-41-21-77 Challenge II, Doctor I, Faze II, Intimidate II, Jeer I, Jianshu II Marshall(+3000)
Subcommander: Fa Shi 93-70-50-39-59 Assemble II, Charge I, Discipline I, Envelop I, Inspire I, Military_Admin I, Rupture I, Scout I, Sortie I, Wall II District Manager (+5000)
Subcommander: Gu Jing 110-70-40-62-22 Aid II, Civil_Admin I, Gongshu II, Military_Admin III, Sortie II, Wall II Duke (+5000)
Subcommander: Kubali Dun 91-74-35-68-23 Aid II, Dash I, Discipline II, Military_Admin II, Qiangshu II, Sortie III Prefect (+5000)
Subcommander: Sho Tao 69-117-28-64-57 Challenge II, Charge II, Smith III, Yueshu II Duke (+5000)
Subcommander: Kanpuyang Zu 78-84-51-57-53 Assemble I, Confuse II, Rupture II Supreme Commander (+4000)

Soliders: 102,640 (89)
Armaments: 29039 spears, 61241 halberds, 31105 leather, 77066 bronze, 53630 horses, 42062 chariots

Proposed support layer:
Support Layer:
Support Commander: Zhang Lan (21) / 77-17-107*-63-20 / Confuse II, Cover II, Engineer II, Jeer I, Poison II, Scout II Marshall (+3000)
Subcommander: Guan Sho 41-24-108-82-40 Civil_Admin II, Decoy II, Engineer II, Public_Planner II, Scribe III Marshall (+3000)
Subcommander: Alexandrus Brutus Publius 79-87-48-57-38 Faze I, Instructor II, Maraud II, Pierce II, Qiangshu II General (+2000)
Subcommander: Guan Yin She 47-21-94-85-35 Civil_Admin II, Confuse II, Engineer II, Public_Planner II Marshall (+3000)
Subcommander: (EX!) Xiu Ta 71-70-70-74-69 Envelop I, Pierce II, Propagandist I, Raid I, Scribe II, Trainer I Marshall (+3000)
Subcommander: Gao Mei Ling 38-17-91-82-42 Civil_Admin II, Engineer II, Jeer II, Public_Planner II, Scribe II Marshall (+3000)
Subcommander: Shenlian Leng 64-62-58-81-63 Cover II, Gongshu I, Intimidate I, Raid I, Rupture I, Sortie I General (+2000)
Subcommander: Biao Fu 49-46-100-63-48 Aid I, Diplomat II, Doctor I, Engineer I, Poison II, Public_Planner II, Scribe I, Spy I Marshall (+3000)
Subcommander: Julius Marius 37-81-84-72-43 Civil_Admin II, Engineer II, Escort II, Public_Planner II, Yueshu II General (+2000)
Subcommander: Wang Mutai 86-84-35-61-72 Aid I, Discipline I, Entrench I, Faze I, Instructor II, Intimidate I, Military_Admin I, Politician I, Smith I General (+2000)

Soldiers: 61,240 (89)
Armaments: 48148 bows, 25574 leather

WITH

Army: Grand Army of Sai
Target: All of Shi Tong/Yun Ling's Holdings
Notes: Working in conjunction with Zu Shi/Zhefu

Melee Layer:
Melee Commander: Yi Guang zi Jianwu [Supreme Commander] 108-108-16-84-24 Aid II, Charge II, Qiangshu II, Raid II Items: Akhal-Teke (+5 Speed), Mingguang Helm (+7 Might), Mingguang Armour (+7 Might), Qiang (+3 Might), Billhook (+2 Might), Shuo Qiang(s) (Ranged), Zhanwei (戰威, Combat Awesomeness) (+10 Command), Xinshu (新書, Effective Discipline) (+7 Command)
Subcommander: Ba Rong [Supreme Commander] 91-91-44-65-20 Aid I, Charge II, Instructor II, Qiangshu I, Raid II, Rupture II, Scout I Items: Horse (Spd +2), Black Ogre's Ancient Dragon Head (Mgt +3, Cha +2), Iron Cuirass (Mgt +3), Billhook (Mgt +2), Book of Formations (Com +3)
Subcommander: Mei Ji [Marshal] 90-73-33-72-41 Aid III, Dash II, Discipline II, Military_Admin I, Wall II Items: Xiongnu Mare (Spd +6), Ancestral Armor (Mgt +4), Wei Liaozi (+2 Command, +2 Judgment, *Aid)
Subcommander: Cong Ma [General] 73-72-50-57-59 Challenge II, Discipline II, Faze I, Politician I
Subcommander: Cao Mie [District Manager] 84-81-28-33-47 Civil_Admin I, Entrench I, Qiangshu I, Raid II, Scribe I, Sortie I
Subcommander: Shou [General] 60-92-42-69-66 Challenge I, Faze I, Instructor I, Intimidate II, Jianshu I, Qiangshu II, Yueshu II Items: "Gihren's Greed" (+7 Billhook) & "The Red Comet" (+1 att, +2 def, +1 speed horse)
Subcommander: Hua Jin [Secretary or District Official] 58-76-59-46-77 Challenge I, Cover II, Discipline I, Jianshu I, Raid II
Subcommander: Jun Shan [Lieutenant General] 63-81-44-63-71 Charge II, Faze III, Inspire II, Wall II, Yueshu II Items: Dapple horse (+1 Attack), Halberd (+2 Might)
Subcommander: He Qi [Marshal] 44-115*-20-98*-50 Challenge I, Intimidate II, Jianshu II, Politician II, Qiangshu II, Rally II, Yueshu I Items: Crossbow, Hero's Armor (+7 Might), Plumed Helmet (+3 Might), Spear (+10 Might), Lamellar Peytral Akhal-Teke (+3 Speed, +1 Defence), Han Feizi (+6 Jud), Han Feizi (+6 Jud), Billhook (+2 Might, unequipped)
Subcommander: Mei Xuan [Duke] 80-76-72-74-70 Civil_Admin I, Confuse I, Diplomat I, Jianshu II, Maraud I, Military_Admin I, Pierce II, Raid II, Rupture I, Wall I
Troops: 79560 (71)
Armaments: 37708 spears, 100 halberds, 18321 leather, 17415 horses

Support Layer:
Support Commander: Di Wan [Duke] 80-34-82-91-45 Artisan II, Cover II, Decoy II, Entrench II, Gongshu I, Volley II Items: Oracle Spear (+2 Might, +1 Judge), Di Tribe Amulet (+4 Charm), Horse (Speed +1), Rule of Law in the Kingdom of Qin (Book, +6 Judge)
Subcommander: Ju Fu [Duke] 80-23-89-77-30 Civil_Admin II, Decoy I, Jeer II, Military_Admin II, Poison II, Public_Planner I, Scribe I
Subcommander: Ping Xin [Chief Aide] 82-52-56-73-37 Cover I, Escort II, Gongshu I, Public_Planner I, Rupture I
Subcommander: Bei Xin [District Manager] 81-49-92-52-51 Aid II, Confuse II, Decoy I, Jeer II, Military_Admin I, Sortie I, Wall I Items: Book of Maneuvers (Com+2), Book of History (Int+2), Leather Cuirass (Mgt+1)
Subcommander: Miaogu Pan [General] 42-41-76-60-80 Dash II, Pierce I, Rally II, Rupture I
Subcommander: Xi Guo [Chief of Officials] 70-42-66-57-93 Aid I, Deride I, Diplomat III, Doctor I, Haste I, Military_Admin I, Politician II, Public_Planner I, Rally III Items: Qin Billhook (Melee, Mgt+2, Rally I)
Subcommander: Ying [General] 81-16-80-80-22 Confuse II, Entangle II, Poison II, Saboteur III, Scout II, Spy I Items: Writings of Wu Zixu (+3 Judgment, *Saboteur)
Subcommander: Peize Pang [Secretary or District Official] 44-73-51-65-71 Cover I, Decoy I, Entangle II, Escort I, Pierce I, Poison II
Subcommander: Chou Tai [District Justiciar] 47-60-76-59-69 Decoy I, Escort II, Wall II
Subcommander: Ri Lue [General] 65-73-50-62-68 Charge I, Deride I, Engineer II, Maraud I, Raid I, Trainer I, Volley I
Troops: 62320 (71)
Armaments: 49115 bows

Need a combined post ASAP then we can hear from the defenders. Phailak will be running this.

[Brother Dun]

Thanks to the fantastically wonderful day I've had today... I just got back from Chicago...

I'm tired, cold, and incredibly frozen, so I'll end up figuring everything out tomorrow.

[Brother Dun]

"Well, this was a bit of bad timing," Mei Xuan said as news reached him of the invasions of Han and Henan. He looked about to his fellow officers, senior Generals Miaogu Pan and Ping Xin, "What're we going to do about it?"

Miaogu Pan, an old hand in battle frowned, "I would assume the Lord-Scholar would have us return home to defend our allies. Besides, this really isn't our fight anyways."

Ping Xin nodded his head, "Aye, had it not been for the silver tongue of that envoy of Qi, we wouldn't be here now anyways..."

Mei Xuan's frown deepened, "I suppose you're right," the Duke said, giving a heavy sigh, "Very well, I'll lead a delegation towards the encampment of Jiaodong. You men stay here, ready the men and inform the Supreme Commander."

Miaogu Pan and Ping Xin nodded as Mei Xuan mounted his horse, gathered a few men and approached the lines of Jiaodong. Just out of bowshot, a white flag was raised, and Mei Xuan's party rode forth to the outer sentries, "I am Duke Mei Xuan of Changan, I am here on behalf of the Lord-Scholar, may I speak with your commander?"

[Royalspork]

The soldiers of Jiaodong with grave faces saw a small detachment approaching from the west. To their great surprise and relief, they saw the white flag, and motioned for the party to come through the lines. they are brought through the encampment to the tent of Lin Yue, where they are looked upon by a great many questioning eyes. The one of the sentries announces, "Pick one of your men to speak to the commander without their weapons, the rest of you shall stay out here under guard, is that acceptable to you?"

[Brother Dun]

The Duke nodded his head, "It's fine, don't really have much of a choice though, do I," he asked with a chuckle, "I'll speak to her myself," he said, unbuckling his sword and handing it over, "Lead the way."

[Royalspork]

One guard takes the sword, while the other leads the duke into the command tent. The tent was large, well filled with guards and ministers, and quite busy, as numerous scouts came to give updates on the invasion. At the head of this room was the lady Lin Yue, who stood decked out in her armor, as to look more commanding over the ranks of her own soldiers. The guard wispered to Lin Yue the identity of the Duke, to which she said, "What brings you here, Duke of the west?"

[Brother Dun]

Mei Xuan bowed to the Supreme Commander respectfully, and then rose up to his full height, "Supreme Comamnder Lin, thank you for seeing me," he said, his voice calm, his appearance cool and collected, "I am here on behalf of the armies of the Lord-Scholar of Sai. We would request the opportunity to take leave of this field. Unfortunately, my lord was won over by a silver tongued envoy of Qi, but alas, we have realized this is not our fight. Even now, the Hegemon of Chu invades the King of Han, and his vassals attack Henan, a vassal and long-time ally of my liege. We would like to pull back so that we may aid them... We apologize for this intrusion upon the lands of your lord, but as I said, this is not truly our fight, and seek forgiveness for our trespass..."

[Royalspork]

So quick a turn around for her adversaries seemed very strange to Lin Yue, she did not at first believe what the man said, but as she gathered her thoughts, she replied, "How can I say no in such a time of need? But before you leave, do tell me, why did the masked lord of Qi decide to invade north when the north had been so free of conflict, why not the south, where so much turmoil exists? And how did he convince your lord to join in, what could have been gained in what could have been a bloody conflict for you?"

[Brother Dun]

The Duke thought for a moment, he hadn't really considered it, but then again, he had his thoughts, "Honestly? I am not entirely sure. I believe part if it would perhaps be that your liege decided to invade the lands of Wei, and your lord has been an enigma to the Lord-Scholar since his rule began. Having had no diplomatic contact with him, my lord perhaps figured himself to be the next target of your liege's armies. Also, he owed a favor to the Supreme Commander of the Masked Man. As well, there was a debt to be paid to the Masked Man himself, if you were not aware, my liege just recently wed himself to the Masked Man's first wife, a woman by the name of Guan Xiuying. She fled his lands under fear of death, and became very close to the Lord-Scholar. The Lord-Scholar, in seeking an end to that marriage, incurred a debt owed to Zhefu. As further payment for the invasion, the lands of Wei were pledged to be granted to my lord, which, I must admit was much to my own pleasure. I once served in the armies of Lord Cheng Dang, and held a ducal estate in Wei... But, even those favors, debts and dreams that are owed cannot outweigh the necessary security to my lord's people. It is good to hear, though, that you will allow our withdrawl... Hopefully the lesson of today will lead to peace between our peoples. My lord is not an aggressive man, and I believe, even now, he curses his lapse of judgment that led to this invasion today... Especially upon hearing what becomes of his friends," the Duke frowned as he spoke, he had once been an officer of Wei, and also feared the armies of the King of Jiaodong, for they broke the will of a strong, ambitious man in Cheng Dang without even a single sword being lifted against them. He too, also cared deeply for the people, and had hoped that perhaps this battle could have been won without much bloodshed, so that he could return home.

----------------------------------

Meanwhile...

Ping Xin arrived, shortly after his meeting with the other senior officers, at the command pavilion of the Supreme Commander of Sai, "I am here to see the Supreme Commander," he said to the guards on duty before striding within. He gave a bow to the man known as Yi Guang upon entering and then saluted, "Supreme Commander, I have just come from a senior staff meeting. News of the invasions of the King of Han and of the Duke of Henan have led to the decision to withdraw from the field. Duke Mei Xuan is currently meeting with the Supreme Commander of Jiaodong, Lady Lin Yue, to negotiate our peaceful retreat..."

[Royalspork]

The Lady Lin Yue nodded, "Wei was surprisingly well established, I think if they had decided to defend, they would have been well off against me, but no army ever did meet us in the fields, even later I couldn't find an officer or a unit in any of the cities. It was as if they vanished. Perhaps they fled across the wall into barbarian lands." Lin Yue then bows to the Duke and says, "Now all there is to see is how the forces of Qi respond to your decision." Lin Yue motions for the Duke to be let out, while finally adding "I shall make sure such a misunderstanding does not happen between our two lords, except an envoy to your kingdom as soon as this conflict is over."